There’s more to land invasions than just drought

The growing tension between ranchers and pastoralists in Laikipia points to a bigger problem of law and order as well as executive impunity. This has been exacerbated by historical grievances of displacement, tribalism and political rivalry in the countdown to the August 8 General Election.

While on the surface the cases of pastoralists invading ranches seem to be desperate efforts by communities to get pasture and water for their livestock, a deeper probing suggests a more worrying trend.